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The Treasury Department slapped sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro[1], sending a clear signal of the Trump administration's opposition to his regime.

The move comes a day after Maduro declared a sweeping victory in a vote that will allow him to further consolidate his power in the crisis-torn nation.

"Yesterday's illegitimate elections confirm that Maduro is a dictator who disregards the will of the Venezuelan people," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a statement.

Venezuela's attorney general lambasted the election[2], which established a new legislative body made up entirely of Maduro's supporters.

"This is the end of freedom of expression," Attorney General Luisa Ortega said.

Follow CNN's updates from on the ground[3] in Venezuela.

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